Partners for Rural Washington, Zero Emissions Northwest and Washington State University Extension are joining forces to help rural school districts and their communities realize millions of dollars in savings by installing solar power and redirecting those energy savings to benefit low-income students and community members.
“This is the epitome of a win-win initiative,’ said Jody Opheim, executive director of PRWA, Washington State’s Rural Development Council and the non-profit lead on the project. “Each school district gets an upgraded, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly system that will save them literally millions of dollars in energy costs. And, the fact that those savings will be used to help those most in need will benefit the entire community.”
Using one-time incentives from the Community Solar Expansion Program, authorized by the Washington State Legislature and administered through the WSU Energy Program, solar power systems will be installed on or near school buildings at no cost to the school district with funding coming from the state program. The money saved in energy costs will be re-invested back into the district with one stipulation – the funds must be used to help low-income populations for the first 10 years of the 30-year lifespan of the system.
“In light of the recent federal legislation removing incentives to clean energy, these projects showcase how impactful distributed generation can be on community funding structures,” said ZEN President David Funk. “We are fortunate to have lots of sunshine here in eastern Washington and appreciate the work Avista Utilities has done as a key supporter of these programs. It’s incredibly rewarding to invest in these communities and the next generation.”
To date, 15 rural schools across seven districts, all in eastern Washington, have been pre-certified with the WSU program. Construction on the first project in Harrington, Wash., is scheduled to begin in August.
“Harrington School District is excited to be the first project with PRWA and ZEN. Investing in our youth and community in creative ways is how rural schools continue to thrive today and into the future. Lower utility bills forever will be a big benefit to tight budgets,” said Courtney Strozyk, superintendent and principal of Harrington Public Schools.
WSU Extension Director Vicki McCracken said the project fits perfectly within the goals and parameters of the Community Solar Expansion Program, which was created by the Washington State Legislature in 2022.
“Since its inception, the Energy Program has been supporting partners throughout Washington, the Northwest, and beyond in improving energy efficiency and developing resilient and reliable energy sources to advance the region’s economic and environmental wellbeing,” she said. “These projects support schools, families and the people of the state. They also help ensure that the benefits of solar energy are available to all.”
Washington state’s federally designated Rural Development Council, Partners for Rural Washington is a non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with rural communities – especially those with fewer than 1,000 residents – to tackle and complete some of their most challenging infrastructure and community development projects. Funded completely with grants and partnerships, PRWA provides its services at no cost to the communities.
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